Gordon fined $100G for wreck

Driver loses 25 points in NASCAR disciplinary move

Associated Press

Updated 8:18 am, Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Photo: Bob Jordan

Image 1of/1

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 1

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2012 file photo, Jeff Gordon waits before practice for the NASCAR Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup series auto race in Concord, N.C. NASCAR has a real dilemma on its hands with this whole Gordon mess hanging over the season finale, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (AP Photo/Bob Jordan, File) less

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2012 file photo, Jeff Gordon waits before practice for the NASCAR Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup series auto race in Concord, N.C. NASCAR has a real dilemma on its hands with this whole ... more

Gordon was also placed on probation through Dec. 31. But he'll be allowed to close out the season Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway despite his actions in Sunday's race, which triggered a fight in the garage area between the two crews.

"I take responsibility for my actions on the racetrack," Gordon said in a statement. "I accept NASCAR's decision and look forward to ending the season on a high note."

"I've always respected Jeff for standing his ground," said Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "We also respect that NASCAR needs to police the sport and send a message when situations like this occur. It's been a great year, and we're going to put our focus on finishing in a positive way this weekend."

Bowyer crew chief Brian Pattie was fined $25,000 and placed on probation till the end of the year.

NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton considered the matter closed after issuing the penalties.

"There's no doubt that a unique set of circumstances combined with a championship battle on the line resulted in raw emotions coming into play," he said. "We consider the penalties appropriate and those involved understand our decision."